LIBBY O’DONOVAN

Hailed by the Sydney Morning Herald as “a powerful, sassy performer”, Libby O’Donovan has performed for over ten years across Australia and around the world.

Her achievements include performances in Tokyo, New York City and Canada with various jazz and Cabaret acts including her award winning solo show The Story of Meredith Crocksley, ARIA nominated vocal outfit Coco’s Lunch and her co-creations, Flat on your Bacharach and Women with Standards, for which she won a Green room award for her work as Musical Director.

Libby has starred as a cabaret and jazz performer in several major festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe, Sydney Spring Festival, Perth International Arts Festival, the International Jazz Educators Convention, Adelaide Cabaret Festival (including working with New York’s Jason Robert-Brown and Andrew Lippa), Melbourne Fringe, Adelaide Fringe, and the Wangaratta Jazz Festival. Her theatre credits include Matthew Robinson’s Metro Street Doppio Parallelo’s DJ Squat, Contaminations Lab and The Last Child, Vitalstatistix’s Way Dead Cool and Patch Theatre Company’s Sharon Keep Ya Hair On!

Why have you chosen to represent this same-sex law reform campaign?

For many reasons, but partly because I am lucky enough to enjoy a successful career, thanks largely to the initial support of the GLBT community. I am happy to give back to that community in some small way if I can.

What sorts of same-sex discrimination have you has / anyone you know experienced?

As a non-biological mother I am regularly faced with discrimination regarding the parental role I play in my daughter’s life. When my partner (my daughter’s biological mother) and I sought legal advice on this matter from a small local law firm, we were met with judgement and prejudice about our choice to bring a child into a same-sex family. We were so shocked and disappointed to learn that we couldn’t even PAY for equal treatment from a supposed impartial professional!

It is extremely refreshing to know that my family now has a chance at equality and respect on a government level – even if this is still not reflected in all areas of society.

How do you think these reforms will make a difference to your life, or to the lives of those close to you?

The reforms are in part, recognition of the fact that legitimate families take various and diverse forms. They mean that my family is not discriminated against.

Why do you think people should wear these 85 law reforms with pride?

Be proud to say “I am same sex attracted, I am accepting equality with pride.”

Why do you think this is a huge step forward for Australia?

Australia prides itself as a welcoming, diverse and socially progressive country. These reforms helps to cement our standing on equality and acceptance.

What do you like about your T-shirt design?

The heart for me represents my conviction that love will always be stronger than fear.

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